The holidays were hectic, so when my husband suggested getting away for a weekend to celebrate our recent wedding anniversary, I quickly agreed. It would be wonderful to spend some time together.
Our criteria–The getaway location had to be less than three hours drive from Evanston, a place where we could cross-country ski in woodlands and where we could eat well and sleep in luxury.
Destination–The American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin, is a popular golf and spa destination for many here on the North Shore but is new to us. We made reservations online, packed our bags, loaded an iPod with some favorite tunes, and packed a bottle of good port wine for late-night sipping. In a little over two hours, we arrived at the hotel entrance. From then on, the operative word was “service, “ as the American Club prides itself on making its visitors feel comfortable and coddled.
Service above and beyond expected
When we returned from dinner that first night, we were not surprised to find a chocolate on the pillow, but we were astonished to find a crisp new bookmark in the book my husband had been reading.
In addition, each evening we returned to our room to find our scattered ski gear neatly organized. There was even a CD of very relaxing spa music to play while sipping our port. So indulgent.
Whining, Dining and Romance
Saturday morning, the weather had warmed just enough so the snow wasn’t great for skiing. I confess I did whine a bit as the crusty ice and snow upended me a few times. My favorite Eagle Scout looked back at one point and worried that the romance was over, for I was carrying my skis and muttering about seeing only deer tracks on the precipitous trail he had chosen.
Fortunately, the mature me took over, and I put my skis back on and focused on the quiet beauty of the woods.
After skiing, we had planned to take advantage of some of the many services at the lovely Kohler Waters Spa. However, I was too lazy to move my body from our comfy room, so we settled into our top-of-the-Kohler-line bath and played like children in the mountains of bubbles that the whirlpool created.
Dinner that night was magical at the River Wildlife Lodge, a rustic cabin in the forest, serving a delicious seasonal menu made from fresh ingredients. Warm cinnamon apple cobbler with homemade vanilla ice cream was the perfect finish to a very mellow anniversary.
Details
To ski or hike the trails in the River Wildlife area, a $17 weekend membership is required. Trails and rental equipment are located at Blackwolf Run.
Did I mention the hot cocoa with peppermint schnapps at the bar at Blackwolf Run?
Don’t miss the Kohler Museum and Design Center, both interesting and fun.
The Kohler Factory is only open to visitors on weekdays.
Did I mention the sumptuous Sunday Bunch in the Wisconsin Room?
Oddly, there was no hairdryer in our room.
